Indian Express Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : Taming Inflation: A To-Do List
GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy
Revision Notes
Question : Critically Analysis the government’s response to high pulse inflation, including the liberalization of pulse imports and the implications for farmers.
Challenge:
- Controlling food inflation (around 8%) while managing overall inflation within RBI’s target range (4+/-2%).
Recent Development:
- India’s agri-imports declined by 8% in 2023-24 ($32.8 billion vs $35.7 billion in 2022-23).
- Average annual growth rate (AAGR) of agri-imports also slowed down under the current government (9% vs 14% during UPA rule).
Reasons for Decline in Agri-Imports:
- Main factor: Drop in international edible oil prices (28.5% decline in import value).
- Quantity of edible oil imports remained stable (15-16 million MT in both years).
- India imports 55-60% of its edible oil needs.
- Palm oil (over 50% share) is the major import, followed by soybean and sunflower.
- FAO’s vegetable oil sub-index reflects lower global prices (168.5 in 2022-23 vs 123.4 in 2023-24).
Other Agri-Imports:
- Pulses, fresh fruits & vegetables, sugar, spices, cashew, etc.
Pulse Price Fluctuations in India
Historical Context (2016-2023):
- Pulse imports peaked at $4.2 billion (6.6 MT) in 2016-17.
- Domestic production also surged to 6 MT in 2016-17,leading to a glut.
- Prices fell below minimum support prices (MSP).
- Government imposed import tariffs (30-60%) and quantity restrictions.
Current Status:
- Pulse production stagnant at 25-27 MMT.
- Import restrictions and slow production growth lead to high pulse inflation.
- April 2024: Pulses inflation – 17%, Tur inflation – 31%.
Government Response:
- Liberalized pulse imports with zero duty until December 2024.
- Aims to control consumer prices but may hurt farmers.
Pulse Policy:
- Gradual reduction in import duty, not a sudden drop to zero.
- Landed price of imported pulses should not fall below MSP.
- NAFED to buy pulses at MSP if domestic prices fall, to create buffer stocks and support farmers.
Edible Oil/Oilseed Policy:
- Landed price of imported oil shouldn’t be below MSP of domestically produced oilseeds (converted to oil equivalent).
- Self-sufficiency through traditional oilseeds (mustard, groundnut, soybean) is impractical (needs 35-40 million hectares extra land).
- Promote palm oil cultivation on 2 million hectares of suitable land (high yield – 4 tonnes/ha).
Key Takeaway:
- Integrate trade policy (import) with domestic MSP policy.
- This is crucial for pulses and oilseeds (low water & fertilizer requirements).
- Protects farmers’ income and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Indian Express Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : The ICC’s challenge
GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy
Revision Notes
Question : Examine the territorial jurisdiction of the ICC, particularly in cases involving non-member states like Israel and Russia. How does the ICC justify its jurisdiction over crimes committed by individuals from these countries?
Why in News?
- International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants against:
- Israeli leaders: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant
- Hamas leaders: Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif), Ismail Haniyeh
- Charges: War crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7 attack on Israel and subsequent Gaza war
Significance:
- ICC criticized for targeting third-world leaders, not Western powers/allies
- First time seeking arrest warrants against Israeli leaders
- Seen as an attempt at balanced approach by charging both Hamas and Israeli leaders
ICC overrides Head of State immunity:
- International law grants immunity to Heads of State from foreign/international courts
- ICC statute denies immunity, as ruled in 2019 Jordan Referral re Al-Bashir Appeal judgment
- Enabled ICC to issue 2023 arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for Ukraine war role
Territorial jurisdiction of the ICC:
- Israel and Russia are not members of the ICC
- Question raised if ICC can issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders
- Basis of ICC’s jurisdiction: Palestine is a state party to the court
- ICC can exercise territorial jurisdiction
- If crime committed on territory of a state party to ICC, court can exercise jurisdiction
- Even if crime committed by non-member state’s people
- Crimes by Israeli soldiers in Gaza fall under ICC’s jurisdiction
- Hamas’ conduct in Israel also falls under ICC’s jurisdiction, despite Israel’s non-membership
ICC’s Dismal Record Against High-Level State Officials:
- Poor track record, especially against heads of states
- Omar al-Bashir case (Sudan) – Arrest warrant in 2009, ousted in 2019 but not surrendered
- William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya) – Charges dropped
- Simone Gbagbo (Ivory Coast) – Charges dropped
- Putin’s arrest warrant limits travels, but surrender unlikely
Significance of Arrest Warrants Against Israeli PM:
- Momentous event for 3 reasons:
- Legal and diplomatic blow to Israel if issued
- Curtails Netanyahu’s travel to ICC member states
- Shows international law can hold the powerful accountable
- Litmus test for ICC’s credibility and legitimacy
Conclusion:
- ICC warrants against Israel, Hamas leaders show the powerful can be held accountable
- No immunity for heads of state at ICC
- Sends strong signal about international law
हिन्दी